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7 Ultimate Must-Visit Places in Thimphu
The country of Bhutan is full of experiences unsurpassed by anywhere else you have ever been. It is impossible to take it all in in just one visit, so here we have listed the seven places you should not miss while you are there.
1. Buddha Dordenma
The giant Buddha statue sits atop a hill in Thimphu giving a magnificent birdseye view of the valley below. It is the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the world towering up to 169 ft , and this massive statue holds 125000 miniature Buddhas inside. The statue was built to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.
2. National Memorial Chorten
The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 as a memorial to the third king of Bhutan and holds great religious significance. It is one of the most apparent landmarks in Thimphu where the elderly and also families circumambulate the Chorten to gain merit before going about their way. It is a peaceful site.
3. Bhutan Post Office
The Bhutan Post Office is situated right in the heart of Thimphu town. It is the only place in the world where you can get personalized stamps made. The post office has a vast collection of stamps and is a must-visit for the philatelist to get hold of some unique postcards and stamps.
4. Motithang Takin Preserve
The Taken Preserve is located on the outskirts of town on the way to the BBS tower. The preserve is made of 8.4 acres of land to provide shelter to the takins (Budorcas Taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. Legend has it that Lam Drukpa Kunley, a 15th-century saint, brought this animal to life after putting the head of a goat atop a cow’s skeleton.
5. Weekend Market
Witness the hustle and bustle of the farmers and buyers coming together. You can spot stalls of farm-fresh vegetables, a colorful display of chilies, local pickles, and cheese and butter. There is also a cereal section where you can buy the famous red rice, zow (a tea snack), and flours of all kinds. The incense area holds aromatic plants brought from the high altitudes. The weekend market is a scene not be to missed.
6. National Institute of Zorig Chusum
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum also known as the School of Arts and Craft is a must-visit in Thimphu. The school was introduced to preserve and promote traditional arts and crafts established by great Buddhist saints to promote Buddhism. You can watch students at work- painting sculpting, masonry, calligraphy, and more. You can even buy some of their work.
7. Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center
Learn more about the traditional Bhutanese art of weaving by visiting this private center. You can see weavers in action producing intricate high-quality textiles such as scarves, belts, jackets, and national dress – Gho and Kira. There is also a collection to shop from.
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